Shea Ralph Speaking About Diana Taurasi

[YoDore]

Coach Ralph holds a press gathering once a week in the practice facility. Today, someone asked her thoughts on Diana Taurasi, and I thought UConn fans would enjoy her remarks. The DT portion starts at about 3:30 if you want to skip ahead.

For the record, I think Diana is the greatest women's basketball player I've ever seen.

 

[Puppy Love]

Shea will always be my favorite UConn player. She’s so incredibly well spoken and intelligent. I really liked her answer, especially the comment about the difficulties for Shea of climbing a set of stairs and the comparison to Diana’s longevity. It’s a testament to the sacrifices that athletes make to play a game that they love and how amazing it is that Diana did it for so long.

 

[LesMis89]

Thanks for the link. Will always love Shea

 

[Skeets]

It's a crime that Shea and Svet got injured. That was UConn's best team ever. DT the 6th man off the bench (before the injuries)? Are you kidding me? An unbelievable abundance of talent.

 

[JSB60]

Shea will always be my favorite UConn player. She’s so incredibly well spoken and intelligent. I really liked her answer, especially the comment about the difficulties for Shea of climbing a set of stairs and the comparison to Diana’s longevity. It’s a testament to the sacrifices that athletes make to play a game that they love and how amazing it is that Diana did it for so long.

My favorite too. No one ever played harder.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Almost didn't recognize our girl then she spoke.

 

[Blakeon18]

Great words from Shea on Dee.

I believe the following is correct...amend it as necessary.

Shea graduated from UConn in 2000. She had another year of eligibility due to her
injuries. She remained on the team for the season of 2000-2001...still a very good player but was
somewhat hampered by her injuries. I believe one reason she stayed was that she wanted to mentor Diana
Taurasi for her frosh year....and she did exactly that...to a T...I would bet big bucks that Dee would acknowledge
Shea's input to her own success that year and going forward.

My recollection is that when Svetlana went down with a season ending injury Shea...already playing a nice complementary game...stepped up and began playing more like the real Shea...knowing that the team needed
just that to maintain a shot at a ring. Her own season ending injury ...added to losing Svet...was a little much
to overcome at the end....losing to ND with Dee's poor shooting in the final game. All healthy...a different outcome imo.

Fantastic job at Vandy by Shea...hope they get in The Dance and make a nice run...knock off a couple of the
teams that 'annoy' us. I don't see any way she succeeds Geno...Vandy is HER deal and will be for a long time.